He, has however, urged stakeholders in the industry to abandon their parochial interests and work towards the collective interest of the nation.
The President acknowledged that there were challenges facing the industry but said with unity of purpose, “we shall surmount these challenges”.
The President gave the assurance when a delegation from the National Fishermen Association of Ghana (NFAG) called on him at the Castle, Osu.
He acknowledged the fact that the fishing industry was one major source of livelihood to many people,noting that it could only thrive if the players worked with one objective.
“Once we sit down to dialogue, we will achieve our aims,” he added.
The president said the fishing industry was very crucial to the economy, promising that it would be given the necessary support to enable it to function effectively.
“This is not the time to single out people for blame. We must come together and work with one aim and objective,” he stressed.
President Mills further called on the Fisheries Commission to update the knowledge of members of the NFAG periodically for them to be abreast of the laws guiding the industry.
He warned against those parading themselves as relatives of the President to commit crimes such as indulging in over-pricing of premix, saying, “I know my family will not engage in such anti-social practices.”
He used the occasion to apologise to those fisherfolk who were injured during their recent clash with the police.
The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, said the fishing industry had been without any regulation until the government, together with other stakeholders, came up with the current law.
He said the current law could only be reviewed when it was found to be insensitive and inconsistent.
The President of the NFAG, Flt Lt K. Tackie, said the industry employed about three million people throughout the country, saying it was a livelihood industry.
He also bemoaned the alleged malpractice in the supply of premix, with some increasing the price for group and personal interest, and called for a refrain from those practices.
Various leaders of the fishing group recounted the challenges confronting the industry and what the government could do to resolve them.
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